Michael will be running in memory of his mother Maureen.

Running for me has always been sort of meditative,” says Fallbrook
resident Michael Rineman. “When training for a marathon, I have a
routine but savor testing myself alone. I look at it as a way to listen
to my heart and my soul [and remember] how important life is.”

Rineman will join 22,000 other runners at the Los Angeles Marathon on
Sunday, March 19, and looks forward to the personal gift these 26.2
miles represent to him. “I lost my mother to brain cancer. Her illness
has caused me to look around and recognize how others need help. My
goal is to build awareness of this disease and raise needed donations
for the National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF). These dollars will
support research and patient service programs.

“My mother, Maureen, was a most special person. She loved life. Her
laughter was intoxicating and no one could be sad around her. I want
her to be remembered as a wife, mother and grandmother, but most of all
she should be remembered for the way she lived life. Every day was new
and special to her, and she never compromised her outlook. Thinking of
her now, I realize that my own sadness is a waste of my time.”

Rob Tufel, the Executive Director of the National Brain Tumor
Foundation, finds inspiration in the people across the country who are
running to raise funds for patient programs and research. “We have a
program called Racing Ahead for the National Brain Tumor Foundation
that attracts people who love to run, walk, cycle or even golf to help
in the fight against brain cancer. Every day in the United States, over
500 people are diagnosed with a brain tumor. People like Michael help
make a difference.”

When asked to share encouraging words with others facing illness,
Rineman is quiet for a moment before answering. “I learned more about
life from her death than I did in 36 years of living. I now live in the
moment and cherish every minute of it. Do not give up your idea of
helping others. After going through what we as a family have,
everything else seems pretty simple, including running a marathon.”

To learn about NBTF, visit their Web site, www.braintumor.org, or call 800-934-CURE (2873). Michael Rineman’s Web site is located at www.firstgiving.com/4maureen.